Her and His Reviews

May 2012

2012 Kia Soul

There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.

Wow - has the Soul come a long way.
Considered quirky and unvetted just years ago, this model now gets a Consumer Reports Recommended rating. How about those apples? For that matter, the KIA brand has come a long way.
This year the vehicle now showcases a six-speed transmission, an amped engine that delivers 164 horsepower and has some get-up-and-go.
With the 2.0 liter engine, the vehicle has practicality, fun and features for the family. Sported on the road by 18" alloy wheels.

Equipped with the 2.0 liter four with 164 horsepower, the Soul! really scoots, both on the highway and in traffic. No concerns whatsoever here. The ride is taut, but might also feel stiff and harsh to some sensitive tushies. But I didn't care. I loved it anyway.

Fuel Economy

26 city and 34 highway - an improvement from 2011.

26/34. Okay, but not great. There are other subcompacts that get better mileage--but on the other hand, you won't find many of those others as cool looking as the Soul. But Soul hasn't hit the 40 mpg highway mark that seems to be the price of entry these days--and that may hurt sales a bit. Estimated fuel costs: About $1,553 a year based on 15,000 miles at
$3 a gallon

The Car

The Soul is a great buy for a single woman or younger family with its roomy seats in the back, cargo space and organization. At its price point, the Soul is one of the most affordable small cars on the market offering tremendous value and features.
The loudness in the interior from previous years is now mitigated somewhat so it's no longer a complete challenge to have a conversation with the kids in the back or when speaking on your Bluetooth.

The Soul is a terrific choice for urban drivers. It's small but roomy, has easy entry and exit and a low lift over for the hatchback area, and it's chock full of little storage areas and nooks and crannies. The interior is quite well finished, with materials and presentation that suggest a more expensive car. It has lots of personality, and of course, those unique looks--which I loved.

Here's what you get at no charge: The 2.0 liter four cylinder with a six speed automatic transmission, a combo which nets 26/34 miles per gallon, and has an annual estimated fuel cost of $1,553 based on 15,000 miles of driving at $3 a gallon. Electric power steering, alloy wheels, front seat mounted a side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, front antilock brakes, traction and stability control, vehicle stability management AND hill-start assist control. All standard.
And there's more. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM /CD/MP3 audio system, UVO In-vehicle infotainment system--a voice control system for your iPod, cell phone and other equipment, cruise control, 60/40 split rear seats. Bluetooth wireless technology. Tilt and telescopic steering column. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. Power tilt and slide sunroof.

Aesthetics & Styling

The Soul delivers a forward exterior design with a sense of meeting between styling and contemporary strength. The interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with vast room as well as height for all sizes.

Fun. Muscular. Young and young at heart.

Warranty

The Soul comes with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited warranty on the power train, five year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, and a five year, 60,000 mile roadside assistance program.

The Soul comes with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited warranty on the powertrain, five year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, and a five year,60,000 mile roadside assistance program.